Liquid-dispensing apparatus



Filed March 14, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet Fi E- Ill . mm v v 5 m5 N vM m Wm T a. w E m a6 3 A. w 82 M, 5;: 1 Ii I E W m IMM M I MMM MM I HWW TMHWWWWMH WMW m H 0 I B O 3 I 9 2 4 3 a m 5 5 J1me 1929. E. E. EICKMEYER LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed March 14, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet m m I /NVNTOR. PL E. E/CKMEYE/R ATTORNQE r.

- Patented June 4,

EARL E. EICKMEYER, OF DAYTON, WAIYNE COMPANY, on FORT 1,715,552 PATENT OFFICE.

onro, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, 'ro WAYNE, INDIANA, A

CORPORATION OF INDIANA.

LIQUID-DISPENSING APPARATUS.

Application filed March 14, 1925. Serial No. 15,471.

This invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus and more particularly to a gasoline dispensing apparatus comprising a transparent receptacle into which the gaso line is pumped and from which it is delivered through a hose to the gasoline tank of an automobile, such devices being in common use at filling stations.

It is desirable that a delivery receptacle of this character should be drained at night or when the attendan sidcrable period of time.

t is absent for any con- To accomplish this it is customary to' provide the delivery receptacle with a drain pipe leading back to by a valve.

: the storage tank and to control this drain pipe This valve is so arranged as to be conveniently actuated by the operator and it afiords an unscrupulous operator an opportunityto defraud the customer by diverting a part of the measured quantity of gasoline from the delivery re tank.

One object of the provide in tank; arid to this e of the invention to u as a part of the drain A further object of ceptacle to the storage present invention is to an apparatus of this kind a delivery receptacle havmg means for draining be of such a character (1 it is a further object tilize the delivery hose system. 1 the invention is to pro vide in connection, with such an apparatus means for connecting the delivery hose with a drain pipe; and to control the flow of liquid from the hose to the which will be autom the connection is mad 'A further object of drain pipe by a valve atically operated when e. the invention is to provide means for automatically opening the valve which controls the flow of liquid through said hose, when the hose has been connected with the drain pipe.

Otherbbjects of the invention will appear as the apparatus is described in detail.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a broken away to sh thereto; Fig. 2 is a gasoline pump, partly ow my invention applied front elevation of the connecting device for connecting the hose with the drain pipe Fig.

3is a longitudinal sectional view of the connecting device; Fig. 4

is a rear elevation of Fig. 5 is a section ta the connecting device; ken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a section taken on the line 77 of Fig. 5; and Fig. 8 is a section taken on the line 88 of Fig. 3.

In these drawings I have illustrated one embodiment of my invention and have shown the same as applied to a gasoline dispensing apparatus of a well known character but it will he understood that the invention may take various forms and maybe used-in connection with dispensing apparatus of various kinds.

In the present embodiment of the invention I have shown the same in connection with a gasoline dispensingapparatus of a'well known type and which comprises a delivery receptacle, to receive the gasoline from the usual undergroundstorage reservoir, and a hose leading from the delivery receptaclefor conveying the gasoline to the tank of the automobile orother point of discharge, and having therein gasoline through the same. The delivery receptacle is provided with a drain conduit leading back to the present instance, this conduit extends to near the top of the receptacle and constitutes an overflow pipe. To enable the delivery receptacle to be drained through the hose to the storage reservoir I have provided means for connecting the hose with the drain conduit. This connecting means may take various forms but preferably it consists of a nozzle on the end of the hose, a receptacle connected with the drain conduit and adapted to receive the nozzleand means for retaining the nozzle in the receptacle. In-order that the valve in the hose may be automatically opened when the connection between the hose and drain conduitlias been established I provide means controlled by some part of the connecting means for actuating that valve, thus insuring that when the hose is properly connected with the drain conduit the valve will be opened and the gasoline permitted to flow from the delivery receptacle through the hose and drain conduit to the storage reservoir. If desired, a valve may also be provided to control the connectionbetween the drain receptacle and the drain conduit, this valve being also cb'ntrolled'by the means for connecting the hose .with the conduit. 7 v

As here shown, the dispensing apparatus comprises a standard 1 mounted one. base 2,

the storage reservoir and, in

and having mounted on its upper end a transparent delivery receptacle 3. Arranged within the standard or casing 1 is apump by means of which the gasoline, or other liquid, is pumped from the storage tank into the delivery receptacle 3. The pumping mechabile or to such other point of discharge as maybe desired. The hose 4 is here shown as the usual fle'n'ible tube but it will be obvious that any suitable conduit may be used for this purpose. This hose is provided with the usual nozzle 5 to facilitate the connection between the same and the tank to which-the liquid is to be delivered. The flow of liquid through the hose 4 is controlled by a valve tl which is interposed between the'same and the delivery receptacle and which is controlled by a handle 7. This handle is usually so'arranged that the valve will be opened when the handle is moved upwardly and preferably the handle.

is weighted so that it will automatically-close the valve when released. The delivery receptacle is provided withan overflow pipe 8 which extends from a point near the top of 'the receptacle to the storage tank, for the purpose of returning. to the storage tank any excess liquid which may be pumped into the delivery receptacle. It will be understood that the outlet of the overflow pipe is so arranged that. the storage receptacle when full will contain a certain measured amount of liquid.

In order that the contents of the delivery receptacle may be drained back into the storage tank through the delivery hose I have provided a connecting socket or drain receptacle adapted'to receive the nozzle 5 and which is provided with an outlet through which the liquid may esca )e from the hose to the storage tank or to such other receptacle as may be desired. This socket or drain receptacle mayv be of any suitable character which will enable it to receive the end of a hose and will permit the liquid'to flow from the l'iose'to the tank or other receptacle.- In the present device the hose is provided with a nozzle of a type adapted to enter the gasoline tank of an automobile and the drain receptacle is designed to cooperate with this nozzle. It will be obvious, however, that if the nozzle were omitted the end of the hose itself could be inserted in adrain receptacle of the nozzle into the connecting socket will open the valve 6 in the hose line .and'thus cause the contents of the delivery receptacle to drain through the hose line, connecting socket and drain pipe to the storage tank.

The connecting and controlling device may take various forms and may be mounted in any suitable position with reference to the dispens-.

ing apparatus but I prefer that the connecting device should be mounted in the base 2 of the standard or casing 1 and the present device has been designed with that end in view. As here shown, the connecting socket or drain re-' ceptacle'is in the form of an elongated chamher 9, the outer end of which is open. This drain receptacle is supported within the base 2 of the standard and the outer end of the same projects through an opening in the base, as shown in Fig. 1. The outer end of the drain receptacle is preferably provided with a flange or connecting plate 10 which is secured to the outerside of the wall of the base and serves to support the drain receptacle in a position within the base. The nozzle 5 of the delivery hose is usually bent to facilitate its insertion into the gasoline tank and, in the present instance, the drain receptacle is given a somewhat similar shape. The drain receptacle is provided near its outer end with a seat llarranged to engage a flange or head 12 arranged eircumferentially of the nozzle near that end thereof which is connected with the hose, and one face of which forms a shoulder which-contacts with the seat 11, this shoulder being preferably tapered so as to provide a firm contact with the seat. Rigidly secured to the flange 10 is a bracket 13 having a substan tially send-circular flange 14 which is spaced from the outer face of the flange or plate 10 and will overhang the head or flange 12, which constitutes the shoulder on the nozzle and which is of a greater diameter than the hose with which the nozzle is connected. Vhen the nozzle is to be inserted in the drain receptacle the outer end thereof is inserted through the open outer end of the receptacle and as, the nozzle moves into the receptacle the head or flange 12 will be moved upwardly into line with the seat 11 and beneath overhanging flange 14, which will retain the nozzle in position. Should the nozzle be released before it is fully inserted in the drain receptacle it will be dragged out of the sameby the weight of the hose. In order to firmly seat theshoulder 12 of'the nozzle on the seat 11" l have provided a retaining de vice which is here shown 'as a narrow plate 15 slidably supported on the plate 10 and having its innerend bifurcated, as shown at 16, so that the arms thereof will extend about the hose and engage theouter surface of the'head or flange 12 on opposite sides of the hose. The arms '16 are preferably tapered so that when they are moved into their operative positions the inclined edges thereof will engage the overhanging flange 14 which the'upper endthereof is free to move toward and from the flange or plate 10, the points of contact between the arms 16 and the flange ofthe nozzle also being narrow, as shown at 18. The retaining device may be actuated in any suitable manner to move the same into and out of engagement with the flange 12 of the nozzle. As here shown, it is provided with alongitudinal slot 19 in which is arranged a disk 20. This disk is eccentrically mounted 'on a shaft 21' journaled in lugs 22 secured to the flange or plate 10 and has secured thereto an operating handle 23. The shaft 21 has a non-circular portion to receive the disk and hold the latter against rotation with relation to the shaft. In the present arangement the shaft extends through the side walls of the slot 19 in the retaining device 15, these walls being slotted, at 47, to permit the retaining device to have sliding movement with relation to the shaft. The relativepositions of the disk and handle may be such that the retaining memher will be moved into its operative position by the movement of the handle either in an upward direction or a downward direction. In the present instance, the arrangement is such that the upward movement of the handle will impart upward or operative movement to the retaining device and the handle is provided with an aperture 24 which, when the retaining device is in its operative position, will be in line with an apcrtured lug 25 so that the hasp of a padlock 26, or other suitable locking device, may\ be inserted through the two alined apertures to lock the retaining device in its operative position.

In order to provide a tight joint'bctween the shoulder 12 on Ithe nozzle and its seat this seat is preferably formed of packing material, or other more or less yieldable substance, and inasmuch as such a, material is subjected to wear and compression which might cause leakage I have mounted the seat on a sleeve 27 which is slidably mounted in the outer portion of the drain receptacle and is pressed outwardly by a spring 28 confined between a shoulder on the sleeve and a ledge 29 extending inwardly from the wall of the'drain receptacle.

The drain receptacle or connecting socket 9 is provided with anoutlet leading to the point of discharge and, as here shown, this outlet is in the form of a passageway 30 which is connected with a drain pipe. Preferably the passageway is connected with the overflow pipe 8 and to this end I have provided a substantially vertical passageway 31 with which the outlet 30 communicates and which is interposed in the overflow pipe, the lower portion of which thus constitutes the drain pipe. 7 In the present device, the vertical eonduit 31 is formed integral with the-drain receptacle but obviously the outlet of the drain receptacle may be connected with the drain pipe in any suitable manner. The outlet 30 is controlled by a valve 32 which is here shown as a swinging gate valve and is supported by an arm 33 rigidly secured secured to a shaft 34: journaled in the walls of the. drain receptacle and conduit '31. Rigidly secured to this shaftis a weighted arm 34 so arranged that the weight on this arm will tend to move the valve to its closed osition and retain it in that position. Rigidly secured to the shaft 34: and extending into the lower portion of the drain receptacle is a finger 35 which is so positioned that it will be engaged by the end of the nozzle 5 when the latter is' inserted in the drain receptacle and will be actuated by that nozzle to rock the shaft 34 and move the valve 32 to its open osition, thus automatically connecting the rain receptacle with the drain pipe. In' the present construction the valve mechanism is arranged within a casing or chamber 36 which is formed integral with the drain receptacle 9 and which is provided with a closure 37 through which access may be had to the valve. Rigidly connected with the shaft 34 is a second arm 38 to which is connected the lower end of a rod 39 which extends upwardly through the standard or casing 1 and projects beyond the upper end thereof where it is provided with a hook shaped portion 40 which overhangs the finger 41 rigidly secured to the operating handle 7 for the valve 6; the arrangement being'such that when the shaft 34 is actuated by the nozzle to open the outlet 30 the hook shaped end of the rod will engage the finger 41 to open the valve 6, thereby causing the delivery receptacle 3 to be placed in communication with the drain pipe, this being accomplished automatically by the insertion of the nozzle into the drain receptacle. The hook shaped end of the rod 39 is so arranged that when the valve 32 is in its closed position this hook shaped portion will lie above and out of contact with the finger 41 so that it will not in any way interfere with the normal operation of the hose valve.

The operation of the device will be readily understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent thatI- have provided means for draining the delivery receptacle which is of such a character that it cannot be used to defraud the customer. The deli ery receptacle can be drained only through thedelivery hose and obviously when this delivery hose is connected with the customers gasoline tank the liquid cannot be drained back into the storage tank. The connecting device between the hose and the drain pipe isof such a character that the insertion of t e nozzle will automatically establish communication between the'delivery receptacle and the drain pipe and when the nozzle is locked in position an absolutely tight joint will be provided which will efl'ectually prevent the escape of vapors. As soon'as the nozzle is withdrawn the valves are automatically closed and are held in their closed positions, thus preventing any escape of gasolinevapors.

IVhile I have shown and described one embodiment of my invention I washit to be understood that I do not desire to be limited to the details thereof as various modifications may occur to a person skilled in the art.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a device of the character described, a hose leading from a delivery receptacle. a nozzle carried by said hose and having a circumferential flange forming a shoulder thereon, a drain receptacle having means to con nect the same with a storage reservoir, adapted to receive said nozzle and having a seat to engage said shoulder, a supporting plate se cured to said drain receptacle, a retaining device having a bifurcated end portion. the arms of which are movable into and of engagement with said flange on he opposite sides of the hose, means for movably mounting said retaining device on said supporting plate, and means for moving the bifurcated end portion thereof into contact with said flange and then forcing said portion of said retaining device inwardly to press the shoulder of said flange against said seat.

2. In a devi'ce of the character described, a hose leading from a delivery receptacle, a nozzle carried by said hose and having a circumferential flange forming a shoulder thereon, a drain receptacle having means to connect the same with a storage reservoir, adapted to receive said nozzle and having a seat to engage said shoulder, a supporting plate socured to said drain receptacle, a retaining member having a bifurcated end portion, the arms of which are movable into and out of engagement with said flange on the opposite sides of the hose, said member being slidably supported on said supporting plate and having the arms of its bifurcated end tapered and movable toward and from said supporting plate. and also having a slot formed therein, a shaft. :1 disk eccentrically mounted on said shaft and arranged in said slot, a handle con nected with said shaft for actuating said disk, and a fixed part carried by said supporting plate and arranged to engage the tapered arms of said retaining memhertand press the same toward the seatof said drain receptacle.

In a device of the character described, a hose leading from a delivery receptacle, a nozzle carried by said hose and having a circumferential flange forming a shoulder thereon, a drain receptacle having means to connect the same witha storage reservoir, adapted to having a bifurcated end portion, the arms ofwhich are movable into and out of engagement with said flange on the opposite sides of the hose, said member being supported at one end on said supporting plate for sliding move-' ment and rocking movement with relation thereto and having the arms of its bifurcated end tapered, and also. having a'slot formed therein, a shaft, a disk eccentrically mounted on said shaft and arranged in said slot, a handle connected with said shaft for actuating said disk, a part secured to said support-' ing plate and arranged to engage the tapered arms of said retaining member and press the same toward the seat of said drain receptacle, and means to lock said handle in a position to hold the retaining device in operative engagement with said nozzle.

4. In a device of the character described, a

hose leading from a delivery receptacle, a

storage receptacle,.and having one end open V to receive said nozzle, a supporting plate rigidly secured to said drain receptacle near the open end thereof, a seat arranged within said open end'of said drain receptacle to engage the'shoulderjon said nozzle, a bracket mounted on said supporting plate and having a seni-circular flange arranged to overhang the ilange on said nozzle when the latter has been inserted in said drain receptacle, an actuating device having a part movable into and out of engagement with said flange of said nozzle, said part having an inclined surface to engage the flange of said bracket, whereby said flange will he forced toward the seat in said drain receptacle.

5. In a device of the character described, a hose leading from a delivery receptacle, a discharge nozzle connected with said hose,

a drain receptacle adapted to receive said.

nozzle and having an outlet to connect the same with a storage reservoir, a valve to control said outlet, and means controlled by said nozzle to actuate saidvalve.

6. In a' device of the character described,

after the latter has entered said drain receptacle.

7. In a device of the character described, a hose leading from a delivery receptacle,

a discharge nozzle connected with said hose,

, nected a drain receptacle adapted to receive said nozzle and having an outlet to connect the same with a storage reservoir, a rock shaft mounted adjacent to said outlet, a valve conwith said rock shaft and movable intoand out of a position to close said outlet, and. a finger secured to aid rock shaft and arranged within said dr in receptacle in the vpath of said nozzle.

8. In a device of the character described, a hose leading from a delivery receptacle, a dischargenozzle connected with said hose, a drain receptacle adapted to receive said nozzle and having an outlet to connect .the same with a storage reservoir, a valve to control said outlet, means tending to automatical ly move said valve to its closed posit-ion, and an actuating device connected with said valve to move the same toward its open position, said actuating device comprising a part arranged to be engaged by said nozzle after the latter has entered said 'drain receptacle.

9. Ina device of the character described, a hose leading from a delivery receptacle, a discharge nozzle connected with said hose, a drain receptacle adapted to receive said nozzle and having an outlet to connect the same with a storage reservoir, a valve to control said outlet, an actuating device for said valve arranged to be engaged by said nozzle after the latter has entered said drain res ceptacle, and means to retain said nozzle in engagement with said actuating device.

10. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a delivery receptacle, a hose leading from said delivery receptacle, a discharge nozzle connected with said hose, a drain receptacle adaptedto receive said nozzle and having an outlet to connect the same with a storage reservoir, and a controlling device for said outlet comprising a part arranged to be actuated by said nozzle after the latter has entered said drain receptacle.

11. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a delivery receptacle, a hose leading from said delivery receptacle, a valve ,to control the passage of liquid through said hose, a'discharge nozzle connected with said hose, a drain receptacle adapted to receive said nozzle and having an outlet to connect the same with a storage reservoir, and means actuated by the movement of said nozzle in said drain receptacle to open the valve which controls the passage of'liquid through said hose.

12. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a delivery receptacle, a hose leading from said delivery receptacle, a valve to' control the passage of liquid through said hose, 'a dis charge nozzle connected with said hose,adrain receptacle ada ted to receive said nozzle and having an out et to connect the'same with a storage reservoir, and actuating means for the valve which controls the passage of liquid through said hose, said actuating means being so arranged with; relation to said drain receptacle that it will be operated when said nozzle is inserted in said drain receptacle.

13. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a delivery receptacle, a hose leading from said receptacle, a valve to control the passage of liquid through said hose, a discharge nozzle connected with said hose, a drain receptacle adapted to receive said nozzle and having an outlet to connect the 'same with a storage reservoir, a valve to control said outlet, and means actuated by said nozzle when the latter is inserted in said drain receptacle to open both the last mentioned valve and the valve which controls the passage of liquid through said hose. 7

14. In a device of the character described,

a hose leading from a delivery receptacle,

a valve to control the passage of liquid through said hose, a discharge nozzle connected with said hose, a drain receptacle adapted to receive said nozzle and having an outlet to connect the same with a storage reservoir, a valve to control said'outlet, a rock shaft, an operjativeconnection between said rock shaft and the last mentioned valve, and an operative connection between said rock shaft and the valve in said hose line, and a finger connected with said rock shaft and arranged to be engaged by said nozzle when the latter is inserted in said drain receptacle.

1:). In a device of the character described, a hose leading from a delivery receptacle, a

valve to control the passage of liquid through said hose, a discharge nozzle connected with said hose, a drain receptacle adapted to re ceive said nozzle and having an outlet to connect the same with a storage reservoir, a valve to control said outlet, a pivoted finger operatively connected with the last mentioned valve and arranged to be engaged by said nozzle when the latter is inserted in said drain receptacle, a rock arm connected with said finger, a rod connected with said rock arm, an actuating finger connected with the valve which controls the passageof'liquid through said hose and arranged to beengaged and actuated by said rod.-

16. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a delivery receptacle, a hose leading from said delivery receptacle, a valve to control the flow of liquid through said hose, a drain conduit leading to a. storage reservoir, means for conmeeting said hose with said drain conduit to permit the liquid to drain from said delivery receptacle through said hose to said storage reservoir, and means controlled by said con necting means to actuate said valve.

. 17. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a delivery receptacle, a hose leading'from said delivery receptacle, a valveto control the flow of liquid through said hose, a drain conduit leading to a storage reservoir, a device for connecting said hose with said drain conduit, comprising a nozzle on said hose, a receptacle. connected with said drain conduit and adapted to receive said nozzle, and means for retaining said nozzle in. the last mentioned' receptacle, and means controlled by a 'movable part of said connecting device for and adapted to receive said nozzle, and means I operable only after said nozzle has been inserted in said drain receptacle to open the valve which controls the flow of liquid through said hose. i

19. A liquid dispensing pump including in combination, a container for serving liquid, a hose connected with the said container, a

nozzle for the hose provided with a flange, a'

drain line adapted to be. connected witlrthe hose, means adapted to effect the combination with the flange of the hose nozzle and drain line, and a lever operable to engage the said flange to seal the said connection toether with means for interlocking the parts in the. said relation.

20. A liquid dispensing pump including in combination, a container for serving liquid, a hose connected with the said container, a nozzle for the said hose, a drain line adapted to be connected with the hose, means for effecting the connection between the drain line and the hose nozzle, a lever adapted to be disp sed over a portion of the said nozzle for securing the said connection, and means for locking the lever in the said relation.

21. A liquid dispensing pump including in combination, a container for serving liquid, a hose connected with the said container, a drain line adapted to be connected with the hose, means for effecting a connection between the hose nozzle and drain line, and a lever having an element adjustable relatively to and to engage a shoulder of the said nozzle upon operation of the lever for securing the nozzle and drain connection.

22. 'A liquid dispensing pump including in combination, a container or serving liquid, a hose vconnected with the said container, a drain line adapted to be connected with the hose, means comprising a gasketed housing arranged relative to an aperture in the drain 'line adapted for effecting a connection with an enlarged portion of the hose nozzle, and

means operable for securing and sealing the said connection.

. 23. In a liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a delivery receptacle and a hose leadstorage receptacle, a nozzle carried by said hose and adapted to enter said drain receptacle, said elements having cooperating parts to form ;a sealed connection between the same,

a lever carried by one of said elements, and means connected with said lever and arranged to engage the other of said elements to press oneofsaid cooperating parts'into sealing contact with the other of said parts.

' .70 24. In a liquid dispensing apparatus com-- 25. A 'liquiddispensing apparatus, comprising an elevated container from which liquid is served, a hose connected with said container, a discharge nozzle carried by said hose, a drain receptacle adapted to receive said nozzle, ashoulder on said nozzle adapted to contact with the inlet end of the drain receptacle, means for pressing said shoulder and the inlet end of said drain together to seal said connection, a gasket between said flange and said inlet end of the drain and means for locking the parts in sealed relation.

26. A liquid dispensing apparatus cornprising an elevated-container from which liquid is dispensed, a hose attached to said elevated container to drain it, a nozzle on said hose, a drain-back pipe adapted to drain back to storage liquid in the container in excess of the maximum quantity to be served at one dispensing discharge, a drain connection below said container connected with said drain back pipe and having an open end adapted to receive the discharge end of said nozzle, means for making a fluid tight joint between said nozzle and drain and means to prevent the escape of vapors from said drain back pipe through said drain when the latter is not occupied by said nozzle.

In'testimony whereof, I afiix my signature hereto. V

' EARL E. EICKMEYER. 

